If you’re entering a time in your life where a senior loved one needs some extra senior care, you may be wondering how you will juggle it with all of the other responsibilities you have. According to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, roughly 22% of adults provide some level of senior care to friends or family members at any given time. Beginning the new journey of family caregiving can be made easier when following these helpful tips.
Develop A Daily Routine
The first thing to do when caring for a loved one is to develop a daily routine, with the expectations that it may need to be altered sometimes. Routines can help everyone lower their stress levels, so they know exactly what will happen next in their day. For the first couple of weeks, document everything you do throughout the day, including taking care of yourself, your kids, and providing senior care. See what works well and what needs to be adjusted until you find the perfect routine to stick with.
Organize Your Finances
Caregiving can be a financial burden, so it’s essential to look at your budget and plan accordingly. Your senior loved one may be able to assist with some things financially, so be as open and honest with them as possible. Eliminating as many surprises as possible is important when caring for a loved one, and looking at your current and future situation at the same time can help you plan finances a little better.
Ask For Help When Needed
If you feel like you’re juggling so many responsibilities and don’t have the time or energy for all of them, ask for help from other family members or friends. Sometimes having someone else do laundry or cook meals for a week can relieve a significant burden from your shoulders while still ensuring your loved one gets the senior care they need. Most people will be willing to help provide additional senior care or even help you with chores around your house.
Don’t Forget About Your Health
It’s too common for caregivers to get burned out and neglect their health unintentionally as they are caring for a loved one. Remember to get plenty of exercise, eat a healthy diet, and continue doing the things that make you happy. Sacrificing your health won’t help anyone, so prioritize your health and know you don’t have to feel guilty for doing so. Your senior loved one relies on you to be healthy and strong, so by taking care of yourself; you are doing them a great favor at the same time.
Helping a loved one with their efforts to sustain independent senior living can be very rewarding. At Next Day Access, we want to help make this a reality by providing you with the necessary mobility products and devices. Peace of mind is invaluable for caregivers, so contact us today to see how we can help you.
